The Mini Sub

[mikkibarry]

Hi folks. I've been a bit busy lately, so haven't been able to post much. Hopefully life will quiet down for a bit.

I have new Mini Sub that I have some questions about. First off, I love it. It's a perfect "everyday" watch, looks classy, and is very comfortable. I am a little confused about things submariner, since I've never had one like this before.

1) The bracelet is really light, and not like the much heavier ones I'm used to. Can bracelets be switched out on these?

2) Are the bezels and inserts similar to the big brother Subs in that I could change the color?

3) Is it possible to change the dials on these? I'd love a blue one that would make this look like a poor woman's YM.

Thanks for any help.

[ecsub44]

Are you referring to the Tudor? I didn't know that Rolex made a mini-Sub.

Do you have a pic or a reference number?

[floater156]

I must be out of the Rolex loop. I've never heard of a mini sub. I'm assuming it's not a Rolex. Not sure why you'd want a heavier bracelet. You'll have to be more specific about the watch if you want real details, like brand and model number.

[impalass]

Congrats on the Tudor (?) Mini Sub.

Love to see some pictures.

[OysterDavid]

Originally Posted by mikkibarry

Hi folks. I've been a bit busy lately, so haven't been able to post much. Hopefully life will quiet down for a bit.

I have new Mini Sub that I have some questions about. First off, I love it. It's a perfect "everyday" watch, looks classy, and is very comfortable. I am a little confused about things submariner, since I've never had one like this before.

1) The bracelet is really light, and not like the much heavier ones I'm used to. Can bracelets be switched out on these?

2) Are the bezels and inserts similar to the big brother Subs in that I could change the color?

3) Is it possible to change the dials on these? I'd love a blue one that would make this look like a poor woman's YM.

Thanks for any help.

The bracelet for this line of Tudor watch is just a less hefty version. If you have the Oyster, it's a folded link type. If you have the Jubilee, it too is the folded link version. If you have the last bracelet of this model, then it resembles a Jubilee but with the Tudor design and has the screw links. Sturdy, but lighter than it's Rolex counterpart.

It's a 17mm size, so you can try aftermarket to see if something works for you. I suppose you could also try and source a YM midsized bracelet to see if that fit...it too is 17mm.

The bezel insert functions and pops in and out the same, but once again, the sizing is dramatically different from the full sized offerings. Because of the 'Rolex Rules', it's unlikely that Rolex will sanction a change of bezel color, but you can always ask. There are mini sub bezel inserts that show up on the auction site from time to time and there's one aftermarket vendor there with inserts that apparently designed for the mini sub size.

Same 'rules' for the dial. Rolex might or might not (more likely) give approval to a dial swap to the different color as part of a service, at extra cost of course, and they'd most likely insist on a hand set change as well. Over the years I can recall a very tiny number of mini sub dials offered on the auction site, so they exist, but it will be a hunt. The dial can always be refinished by one of the better shops (you can PM me for my recommendation) and you could replicate the new blue YM color and get yourself a red sweep hand (because the movement is ETA, those red lollypop hands are easy to get) and then have yourself a modified YM look, but who knows how folks here would react to those kinds of owner initiated changes.

To those not familiar with what Tudor did during the 'mini' era, they had 4 sizes of subs...the full at 40mm, the 'mid' at 35mm, the mini at 33mm and the 'lady' at 26mm. When the Sub line was put out to pasture, it was replaced with the Hydronaut line...in 3 sizes...full, mid and lady...no 'mini'.

[shofzr]

My wife loves her Mini-Sub :)


Cheers

[mikkibarry]

Originally Posted by ecsub44

Are you referring to the Tudor? I didn't know that Rolex made a mini-Sub.

Do you have a pic or a reference number?

Sorry, yes it's Tudor.

[mikkibarry]

Originally Posted by OysterDavid

The bracelet for this line of Tudor watch is just a less hefty version. If you have the Oyster, it's a folded link type. If you have the Jubilee, it too is the folded link version. If you have the last bracelet of this model, then it resembles a Jubilee but with the Tudor design and has the screw links. Sturdy, but lighter than it's Rolex counterpart.

It's a 17mm size, so you can try aftermarket to see if something works for you. I suppose you could also try and source a YM midsized bracelet to see if that fit...it too is 17mm.

The bezel insert functions and pops in and out the same, but once again, the sizing is dramatically different from the full sized offerings. Because of the 'Rolex Rules', it's unlikely that Rolex will sanction a change of bezel color, but you can always ask. There are mini sub bezel inserts that show up on the auction site from time to time and there's one aftermarket vendor there with inserts that apparently designed for the mini sub size.

Same 'rules' for the dial. Rolex might or might not (more likely) give approval to a dial swap to the different color as part of a service, at extra cost of course, and they'd most likely insist on a hand set change as well. Over the years I can recall a very tiny number of mini sub dials offered on the auction site, so they exist, but it will be a hunt. The dial can always be refinished by one of the better shops (you can PM me for my recommendation) and you could replicate the new blue YM color and get yourself a red sweep hand (because the movement is ETA, those red lollypop hands are easy to get) and then have yourself a modified YM look, but who knows how folks here would react to those kinds of owner initiated changes.

To those not familiar with what Tudor did during the 'mini' era, they had 4 sizes of subs...the full at 40mm, the 'mid' at 35mm, the mini at 33mm and the 'lady' at 26mm. When the Sub line was put out to pasture, it was replaced with the Hydronaut line...in 3 sizes...full, mid and lady...no 'mini'.

Thank you so much, David for all the useful information. I do like the mini "as is," however I'd like to know what the possibilities are. In any case, if I were to modify the watch, I would not resell it. It would be for my own use only, and would keep all parts. I'll keep the refinish in mind, however.

This is a great little watch!

[cop414]

Love that watch, great pics guys.

[Lgear080]

Every once in awhile a blue or black dial and hand set pops up
On eBay. Expect to pay $150-200 for a nice authentic set.
There are some older variations with interesting hand styles
That sell for a bit more.